Odisha Health Minister Cracks Down on Hospitals Charging PMJAY/GJAY Patients

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling has intensified monitoring of private hospitals under Ayushman Bharat (AB‑PMJAY) and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY), following reports of patients being charged for services that should be free.

During surprise inspections, the Minister directed hospitals to treat beneficiaries with dignity and ensure functional help desks.

The State Health Assurance Society (SHAS), led by CEO Dr Brundha D, issued a clear advisory: hospitals cannot levy charges for consultations, diagnostics, or medicines up to three days before admission, nor for care, medicines, diagnostics, or follow‑up visits up to 15 days after discharge.

The advisory also mandates that post‑operative complications and related readmissions must be covered under the original package cost. SHAS warned that violations will invite strict action.

This move reassures lakhs of families relying on these schemes for cashless treatment, reinforcing the government’s commitment to eliminating financial barriers in healthcare.

Beneficiaries have been urged to report unauthorised charges immediately for corrective action.